Basophils are important cells for the immune system, and are usually increased in cases of allergy or prolonged inflammation such as asthma, rhinitis or hives for example. Basophils have in their structure numerous granules, which, in situations of inflammation or allergy, for example, release heparin and histamine to combat the problem.
These cells that are formed in the bone marrow, are a type of white blood cell, also known as leukocyte, which can be evaluated through a blood test indicated by the doctor, the leukogram, which is one of the constituents of the blood count. See how to interpret the WBC.
Basophils are present in the blood in very small concentrations, with normal basophil reference values varying between 0 - 2% or 0 - 200 / mm 3 in both men and women.
Basophil reference values
The normal values of basophils in the blood are indicated according to the total amount of leukocytes in the blood, representing about 0 to 2% of the total leukocytes.
The following table indicates the reference values for lymphocytes in adult men and women, of which basophils are part:
| Parameters | Reference values |
| Leukocytes | 4500 - 11000 / mm³ |
| Neutrophils | 40 to 80% |
| Eosinophils | 0 to 5% |
| Basophils | 0 to 2% |
| Lymphocytes | 20 to 50% |
| Monocytes | 0 to 12% |
The reference values for basophils do not vary between adult men and women, however it may vary according to the laboratory in which the blood test is performed and, therefore, the result of the test must always be seen by the doctor.
Because basophils can get high
The increase in basophils in the blood, known as basophilia, occurs in cases of:
- Ulcerative colitis, which is inflammation of the intestine; Asthma; Sinusitis and rhinitis, which corresponds to inflammation of the sinuses, which are found in the respiratory tract, usually associated with infections; Arthritis, which is inflammation of the body's joints and causes pain; Chronic renal failure, especially in cases of kidney malfunction, such as nephrosis; Hemolytic anemia, in which red blood cells are destroyed, compromising the transport of oxygen and nutrients to the body; Chronic Myeloid Leukemia; After chemotherapy or removing the spleen.
If basophilia is noticed, it is important to analyze the blood count and request other tests so that you can know the cause of the increase in basophils and, thus, start treatment.
What may indicate low basophils
Basopenia, which is when basophils are low, is an uncommon situation that can occur due to the decrease in the production of white blood cells by the bone marrow, being possible to identify only 20 cells per liter of blood.
The main causes of basopenia are ingestion of drugs that weaken the immune system, such as corticosteroids, ovulation, pregnancy, period of stress, hyperthyroidism and Cushing's syndrome.
